Millers onslaught and Bavumas century help South Africa beat Australia to seal series

South Africa sealed the three-match ODI series 2-0 with one game to spare after beating Australia by 32 runs in a high-scoring thriller at the Wanderers Stadium.

Powered by centuries from David Miller and captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas posted a mammoth total of 365 runs. In reply, Australia made a flying start through Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh but were eventually bowled out for 333.

After winning the toss, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh opted to field first. Josh Hazlewood struck with the very first ball of the innings, dismissing Aiden Markram. However, South Africa recovered from the early setback as Temba Bavuma and David Miller put on a superb batting display in the third-wicket partnership.

Captain Bavuma played a composed innings of 103 off 116 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes. At the other end, David Miller unleashed a brutal assault. He smashed 142 off just 93 deliveries, including 12 fours and nine massive sixes. A late cameo from Marco Jansen, who scored 27 off 18 balls, helped South Africa reach a huge total of 365 for nine.

For Australia, Jack Edwards was the pick of the bowlers, claiming five wickets for 67 runs.

Chasing a mammoth target of 366, Australia made a blistering start, scoring 130 runs in 17 overs through their opening partnership. Mitchell Marsh smashed 84 off 53 balls, including 10 fours and five sixes, while Travis Head also scored 84 off 76 deliveries.

However, after the dismissal of the two openers, Australia suffered a collapse in the middle order. Coming in at No. 8, Xavier Bartlett raised hopes with a quickfire 50 off 28 balls, but Australia ultimately fell short. Their innings ended at 333 in 49.5 overs.

For South Africa, Lizaad Williams took three wickets, while Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen and Bjorn Fortuin claimed two wickets each.